Pant leg retaining device

ABSTRACT

A pant leg retaining device is disclosed. The device includes one ore more strips of stretchable material, forming a central portion and two pairs of diverging members therefrom. Each of the diverging members have a free end to which is affixed a securement means wherein, when the central portion is placed under the foot, each diverging member is adapted to be positioned adjacent to a wearer&#39;s ankle bone and attached via the securement means to the pant leg of a wearer.

BACKGROUND

Various types of straps and devices have been used in the past to restrain pant legs and maintain the pant legs in a downward position when a person tucks his/her pants into footwear (such as boots). For example some conventional strap designs require permanent attachment to a pant leg and cannot be removed for attachment to a different pair of pants. This conventional design not only limits the use of the strap to one pair of pants, but also limits the use of the pants themselves by permanently altering the pants with the addition of the attached strap. Other traditional designs do not attach evenly to the pant leg which limits their ability in keeping the pant leg evenly tucked into the boot. Additionally, in the past, other strap designs have failed to consider the comfort of the wearer. For example, some past pant leg retaining devices positioned retaining material over a wearer's ankle bone in order to attach to the wearer's pant leg. During use, these types of designs can become uncomfortable and cause the user not only discomfort, but also pain and/or irritation. Accordingly there is a continuing need for a device that retains a pant leg in a uniform, even and comfortable manner.

SUMMARY

Briefly, and in general terms, various embodiments are directed to a pant leg retaining device primarily designed for the purpose of retaining the lower end of the pant leg in a tucked-in position, within a women's or man's fashion boot, in an even, smooth and wrinkle-free manner.

In one embodiment, a pant leg retaining device configured to retain a pant leg worn by a user comprises a central portion underlying the foot of the user, a first pair of retaining members extending outwardly from the central portion, and a second pair of retaining members extending outwardly from the central portion in a direction opposite to that of the first pair of retaining members. An attachment assembly is secured to each retaining member, wherein as the central portion is placed under the foot of a wearer, the retaining members are configured to extend around the ankle bone of the wearer to allow for attachment of each assembly to a pant leg.

More specifically, a pant leg retaining device, configured to retain a pant leg worn by a user, comprises a central portion configured for placement under the foot of a user. First and second retaining members extend outwardly from a first side of the central portion. The first retaining member is configured to extend upwardly on one side of the foot and position anterior to the ankle bone of the user, and the second retaining member is configured to extend upwardly on the same side of the foot and position posterior to the ankle bone of the user. Third and fourth retaining members extending outwardly from an opposing second side of the central portion. The third retaining member is configured to extend upwardly on an opposing second side of the same foot and position anterior to the ankle bone, and the fourth retaining member is configured to extend upwardly on the same opposing second side of the foot and position posterior to the ankle bone. One attachment or clamping means is attached to a distal end of each of the retaining members, the clamping means being readily attachable to and detachable from the pant leg of a wearer.

Another embodiment of the pant leg retaining device comprises two thin, narrow strips of stretchable material. Each strip is aligned with respect to each other in an x-shape to thereby form a central portion and diverging members therefrom. The strips are affixed to each other at the central portion, with each of the diverging members having a free end to which is affixed a securement means wherein each diverging member is adapted to be positioned adjacent to a wearer's ankle bone and attached via the securement means to the pant leg of a wearer.

Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of example, the features of various embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a pant leg retaining device on a wearer's foot and attached to the leg of a pair of pants.

FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment of a pant leg retaining device secured onto the foot of a person wearing a tall boot.

FIG. 3B illustrates an embodiment of the pant leg retaining device secured onto the foot of a person wearing another type of footwear.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of one embodiment of the pant leg retaining device.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of another embodiment of the pant leg retaining device.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a pant leg retaining device for keeping pant legs tucked into a boot or other footwear. The pant leg retaining device removably attaches to each pant leg of a pair of pants, and likens the pants to a pair of stirrup pants. The pant leg retaining device provides an even pull on the pant legs, while allowing for easy movement and keeping the pant legs evenly and securely tucked into footwear and thereby eliminating the hassle of having to continuously stop and tuck pants in as a person moves about. Embodiments of the device are illustrated and described herein by way of example only and not by way of limitation.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings and, more particularly to FIGS. 1-7, there are shown various embodiments of a device for retaining pant legs into a boot or shoe.

Referring to FIG. 1, an example embodiment of a pant leg retaining device 10 worn on a person's foot and secured to a pant leg 24 is shown. The pant leg retaining device 10 is constructed from a stretchable, elasticized material that is configured for placement under and around a person's foot. More particularly, a central portion 12 of the pant leg retaining device 10 is positioned under a wearer's foot 20. Two retaining members 14 extend out from a side of the central portion 12 and wrap around the side of the wearer's foot 20. The two retaining members 14 are positioned on the same side of the foot 20 so that each retaining member 14 is positioned adjacent the wearer's ankle bone 22, rather than being positioned entirely over the ankle bone. More particularly, one of the retaining members 14 is positioned anterior to the person's ankle bone 22 and the other retaining member 14 is positioned posterior to the person's ankle bone 22. The positioning of the two other retaining members 14 adjacent to the wearer's ankle bone 22 provides additional comfort to the wearer by not having the retaining members lay across, or impinge on, the wearer's bone. Positioning the retaining members adjacent to the ankle bone 22 limits the amount of rubbing and chafing of the pant leg fabric on the ankle bone 22.

Additionally, two retaining members 14 (not shown in FIG. 1) extend out from the opposing side of the central portion 12 and wrap around the other side of the wearer's foot 20 for attachment to the pant leg 24. Clamping assemblies 16 are affixed on the ends of the retaining members 14 and attach to the wearer's pant leg 24, thereby keeping the pant leg secured in place. The clamping assemblies may removably attach to and from the pant leg 24 without harm to the pant leg. Having two retaining members 14 that attach on each side of the pant leg 24 allows for a more even pull. This keeps the pant leg more uniformly tucked into the footwear and provides for greater wearer comfort.

A plan view of the pant leg retaining device 10 is shown in FIG. 4. The pant leg retaining device 10 includes a central portion 12 and two pairs of retaining members 14 extending outwardly in opposing directions from the central portion 12. More particularly, a first pair of retaining members 14 a and 14 b extend outwardly from a first side of the central portion 12. In use, one of retaining members 14 a and 14 b is positioned anterior to the user's ankle bone and the other retaining member is positioned posterior the user's ankle bone. The second pair of retaining members 14 c and 14 d extend outwardly from the opposing second side of the central portion 12. In use, one of retaining members 14 c and 14 d is positioned anterior to the user's ankle bone and the other retaining member is positioned posterior the user's ankle bone.

In one embodiment, each of the retaining members 14 has the same unstretched width and has the same unstretched length. Additionally, in another embodiment, the width of the central portion 12 is twice the width of a retaining member 14. For example, in one embodiment, the central portion 12 has a width of approximately one and a half inches (1½″) and each retaining member has a width of approximately three fourths of an inch (¾). Alternately, in other embodiments the width of the central portion may vary and is not twice the width of a retaining member. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other measurements of widths may be implemented for the retaining members and central portions of the pant leg retaining device 10.

In another embodiment, the pant leg retaining device 10 may be manufactured in various sizes and lengths. Additionally, in an optional embodiment, the pant leg retaining device 10 is produced in one size to fit most wearers. As the pant leg retaining device 10 is manufactured from an elastic material, the device may stretch to fit most wearers. Additionally, in one embodiment, the pant leg retainer device 10 does not include adjustable straps.

A central axis 11 extends through the central portion 12 and forms an angle with each of the retaining members 14. In one embodiment the angle between a retaining member 14 and the central axis 11 is about 20 degrees. Optionally, in an alternate embodiment, the angle between a retaining member 14 and the central axis 11 is in the range of about 15 degrees to about 25 degrees. Additionally, in another optional embodiment, the angle between a retaining member 14 and the central axis 11 is in the range of about 10 degrees to about 30 degrees.

Each retaining member 14 has an end portion 15 at which a clamping assembly 16 is affixed. In one embodiment, the clamping assembly 16 is a standard, off-the shelf suspender clip. The clamping assembly 16 is configured to removably attach to a wearer's pant leg. In other words, the clamping assembly securely attaches during use to the pant leg (as shown in FIG. 1), but also allows the wearer to detach the clamping assembly 16 from the pant leg without permanent alteration or harm to the wearer's pants. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternate securement mechanisms, such as, but not limited to clamping members, clasps, clips, clipping assemblies and other releasable attachment devices may be used. The clamping assembly 16 may be constructed of non-metallic, metal, plastic, resins or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the clamping assembly is constructed of airport friendly materials to prevent the pant leg retaining device 10 from triggering a metal detector. The term “airport friendly” is intended to denote a material is mostly non-metallic and in its composition and a material that does not trigger an alarm when the material passes through a security metal detector in an airport.

The clamping assembly 16 is attached in a suitable manner to the end portion 15. For example, the clamping assembly 16 may be sewn, riveted, glued or stapled to the end portion 15. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that clamping assembly 16 may be attached via additional methods to the end portion 15.

In one embodiment, the pant leg retainer device is constructed of a flexible, elastic material. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the elasticity, flexibility and durability may vary depending on the particular material used in constructing the pant leg retainer device 10. Additionally, in one embodiment the pant leg retainer device 10 is made from only one type of material or fabric. Optionally, in another embodiment, the pant leg retainer device is constructed from a variety of different fabrics having various characteristics. For example, the central portion 12 may be constructed of a first type of fabric and the retaining members 14 may be constructed from a different, second type of fabric. Alternately, in another embodiment, the retaining members 14 are constructed from separate pieces of fabrics (or materials), and each retaining member 14 is permanently affixed to the central portion 12. In another different embodiment, the retaining members 14 are constructed from the same piece of fabric or material as the central portion 12. Additionally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the pant leg retaining device 10 may be constructed from materials in various colors and decorative patterns.

A side view of the pant leg retaining device 10 is illustrated in FIG. 5. This perspective illustrates an embodiment of the pant leg retaining device 10 in which a single layer of material is used to construct the central portion 12. The pant leg retaining device 10 with a single layer central portion 12 is a more economical design, as less material is used to construct the device. Additionally, the single layer design of the central portion allows for a longer central portion 12 and provides for a more stable and more comfortable structure to be positioned underfoot.

Still referring to FIG. 7, in one embodiment of the pant leg retaining device 10, the clamping assembly 16 includes a protective inlay 7 for use with sensitive fabrics. More particularly, the protective inlay 7 in the clamping assembly 16 protects sensitive fabrics such as, but not limited to silks, from suffering any damage when the clamping assembly attaches to the sensitive fabric. Accordingly, the protective inlay 7 acts as a shield or cushion to protect the fabric. The protective inlay 7 may include a sponge, foam or other layers of thick fabric. The protective inlay 7 may be permanently attached within the clamping assembly 16. Alternately, in an optional embodiment, the protective inlay 7 may be removably placed within the clamping assembly 16 to allow for use as needed. When the protective inlay 7 is not needed it may be removed and saved for later use.

Referring to FIG. 3A, an example of the pant leg retaining device worn on the foot of a user where the foot is inserted into a women's boot is shown. In particular, a pant leg retaining device 10 is worn by a person wearing a high-top fashion boot 26 a. The pant leg retaining device 10 is positioned under the foot 20 of the wearer and wrapped around the foot to attach to the pant leg 24. The clamping assemblies 16 attach to the pant leg 24 and are hidden from view by the boot 26 a. As the wearer moves, the clamping assemblies 16 hold the pant leg 24 securely in place and provide an even pull on the pant leg 24. The elastic quality of the retaining members 14 permits the wearer to move but still tug the pant leg, or retain the pant leg 24, into place within the boot 26 a. When a woman attaches the pant leg retaining device 10 to her pant legs, the device 10 essentially likens her pants to a pair of stirrup pants and allows the woman's pant legs to remain tucked into the pair of boots 26 a. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the pant leg retaining device 10 may also be used with other types of footwear, and may be used by men and children.

Referring to FIG. 3B, another example of the pant leg retaining device worn on the foot of a user is shown. In particular, the pant leg retaining device 10 is positioned under the foot 20 of the wearer and wrapped around the foot to attach to the pant leg 24. The wearer's foot is inserted into a low-top man's boot 26 b. The clamping assemblies 16 attach to the pant leg 24. As the wearer moves, the clamping assemblies 16 hold the pant leg 24 securely in place and provide an even pull on the pant leg. The elastic quality of the retaining members 14 permit the wearer to move but still tug the pant leg, or retain the pant leg 24, in place within the footwear 26 b.

Referring now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of the pant leg retaining device is shown. More particularly, the pant leg retaining device 110 includes two thin, narrow strips 113 a and 113 b aligned with respect to each other to form an x-shape. The thin strips 113 a and 113 b intersect to form a central portion 112. The thin strips 113 a and 113 b are affixed to each other at the central portion 112, thus creating a double layer of material at the central portion. Diverging members 114 extend outward from the central portion. A central axis 111 runs through the central portion 112. The angle between a diverging member 114 and central axis 111 is about 20 degrees in one embodiment. Optionally, in an alternate embodiment, the angle between a diverging member 114 and central axis 111 is in the range of about 15 degrees to about 25 degrees. Additionally, in another optional embodiment, the angle between a diverging member 114 and central axis 111 is in the range of about 10 degrees to about 30 degrees.

A securement mechanism 116 is attached to each of the free ends 115 of the diverging members 114. The securement mechanisms 116 are removably attached to the pant leg of a wearer. Examples of the securement mechanism 116 may includes, but are not limited to, clamping members, suspender clips and other releasable attachment devices well known in the art. The securement mechanism 116 may be constructed of metal, plastic, resins or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the securement mechanism 116 is constructed of airport friendly materials to prevent the pant leg retaining device 110 from triggering a metal detector.

In one embodiment, the securement mechanism 116 includes a protective inlay (not shown) for use with sensitive fabrics. More particularly, the protective inlay in the securement mechanism 116 protects sensitive fabrics such as, but not limited to silks, from suffering any damage when the securement mechanism 116 attaches to the sensitive fabric. Accordingly, the protective inlay acts as a cushion and a shield to protect the sensitive fabric. The protective inlay may include a sponge, foam or other layers of thick fabric. The protective inlay may be permanently attached within the clamping assembly 16. Alternately, in an optional embodiment, the protective inlay may be removably placed within the clamping assembly 16 to allow for use as needed. When the protective inlay is not needed it may be removed for later use.

In one embodiment, the pant leg retainer device 110 is constructed, at least in part, of flexible, elastic materials. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the elasticity, flexibility and durability may vary depending on the particular materials used in constructing the pant leg retainer device 110. Additionally, in one embodiment the narrow strips 113 a and 113 b are made from the same material. Optionally, in another embodiment, the narrow strip 113 a is constructed of a first type of material and the narrow strip 113 b is constructed from a different, second type of material. Additionally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the pant leg retaining device 10 may be constructed from materials in various colors and decorative patterns.

A side view of the pant leg retaining device 110 is illustrated in FIG. 7. This view shows the double layer of material used to construct the central portion 112. The double layer design of the central portion allows for ease of manufacture. The pant leg retaining device 110 is produced from a single width of strip of material. Additionally, the double-layer central portion 112 may provide cushioning underfoot. Further, the double layer may promote a stronger, more durable design.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claimed invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the claimed invention without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims. 

1. A pant leg retaining device configured to retain a pant leg worn by a user comprising: a central portion; a first pair of retaining members extending outwardly from the central portion; a second pair of retaining members extending outwardly from the central portion in a direction opposite to that of the first pair of retaining members; and a clamping assembly secured to each retaining member, wherein as the central portion is placed under the foot of a wearer, the retaining members are configured to extend around the ankle bone of the wearer to allow for attachment of each clamping assembly to a pant leg.
 2. The pant leg retaining device of claim 1, further comprising a central axis extending through the central portion and forming an angle of about 20 degrees with at least one of the retaining members.
 3. The pant leg retaining device of claim 1, further comprising a central axis extending through the central portion and forming an angle in the range of between 15 and 25 degrees with at least one of the retaining members.
 4. The pant leg retaining device of claim 1, further comprising a central axis extending through the central portion and forming an angle in the range of between 10 and 30 degrees with at least one of the retaining members.
 5. The pant leg retaining device of claim 1, wherein the central portion is constructed from a first material and the first and second pairs of retaining members are constructed from a second material, and wherein the first material is different from the second material.
 6. The pant leg retaining device of claim 1, wherein the clamping assembly is comprised of airport friendly materials that will not trigger an alarm as a wearer passes through the security metal detector.
 7. The pant leg retaining device of claim 1, further comprising a protective inlay positioned within the clamping assembly.
 8. A pant leg retaining device configured to retain a pant leg worn by a user, the device comprising: a central portion configured for placement under the foot of a user; first and second retaining members extending outwardly from a first side of the central portion, the first retaining member configured to extend upwardly on one side of the foot and position anterior to the ankle bone of the user, and the second retaining member configured to extend upwardly on the same side of the foot and position posterior to the ankle bone of the user; third and fourth retaining members extending outwardly from an opposing second side of the central portion, the third retaining member configured to extend upwardly on an opposing second side of the same foot and position anterior to the ankle bone, and the fourth retaining member configured to extend upwardly on the same opposing second side of the foot and position posterior to the ankle bone; and four clamping mechanisms, one clamping mechanism attached to a distal end of each of the retaining members, wherein the clamping mechanisms removably attach to the pant leg of a wearer.
 9. The pant leg retaining device of claim 8, further comprising a central axis extending through the central portion and forming an angle of about 20 degrees with at least one of the retaining members.
 10. The pant leg retaining device of claim 8, further comprising a central axis extending through the central portion and forming an angle in the range of between 15 and 25 degrees with at least one of the retaining members.
 11. The pant leg retaining device of claim 8, further comprising a central axis extending through the central portion and forming an angle in the range of between 10 and 30 degrees with at least one of the retaining members.
 12. The pant leg retaining device of claim 8, wherein the central portion is constructed from a first material and the retaining members are constructed from a second material, and wherein the first material is different from the second material.
 13. The pant leg retaining device of claim 8, wherein the securement means is comprised of airport friendly materials that will not trigger an alarm as a wearer passes through the security metal detector.
 14. The pant leg retaining device of claim 8, further comprising a protective inlay positioned within the clamping mechanism.
 15. A pant leg retaining device comprising: two thin, narrow strips of stretchable material, each strip being aligned with respect to each other in an x-shape to thereby form a central portion and diverging members therefrom, the strips being affixed to each other at the central portion, and each of the diverging members having a free end to which is affixed a securement means wherein each diverging member is adapted to be positioned adjacent to a wearer's ankle bone and attached via the securement means to a pant leg of a wearer.
 16. The pant leg retaining device of claim 15, further comprising a central axis extending through the central portion and forming an angle of about 20 degrees with at least one of the diverging members.
 17. The pant leg retaining device of claim 15, further comprising a central axis extending through the central portion and forming an angle in the range of between 15 and 25 degrees with at least one of the diverging members.
 18. The pant leg retaining device of claim 15, further comprising a central axis extending through the central portion and forming an angle in the range of between 10 and 30 degrees with at least one of the diverging members.
 19. The pant leg retaining device of claim 15, wherein the securement means are suspender clips.
 20. The pant leg retaining device of claim 15, wherein the securement means is comprised of airport friendly materials that will not trigger an alarm as a wearer passes through the security metal detector.
 21. The pant leg retaining device of claim 15, further comprising a protective inlay positioned within the clamping mechanism. 